Tisch College: Strengthening Partnerships with Local Schools

Post on November 18, 2013 by Barbara Canyes

Erica Satin-Hernandez is working at the Lincoln Filene Center for Community Partnerships, which is housed in the Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University. Erica’s primary community partners are Medford High School and the Josiah Quincy Upper School in Boston Chinatown.

Located in the city of Medford, Medford High School is a large school with a diverse student population. The school offers varied educational opportunities, including AP courses, Honors courses, Special Education courses, and Vocational training. While there have been a few partnerships between various Tufts academic departments and Medford High School, the partnership between the Tisch College and Medford High School is relatively new. Erica and the Community Partnerships team are working to deepen and strengthen this partnership through consistent meetings, partnership mapping, and capacity-building for long-lasting relationships. http://www.medfordpublicschools.org/

The Josiah Quincy Upper School in Boston Chinatown is a small pilot school building off of the Josiah Quincy Elementary School. The school follows the model of four educational pavilions: “Information for science, math, and technology; cultural for developing historical and cultural sensitivities; pathfinding for exploring 21st century issues and encouraging individual expression through art, music, and physical education; and renewal for mental, physical, and emotional health.” The school offers select International Baccalaureate courses for students, weekly professional development opportunities for staff, and a longer school day for all participants. Erica and the Community Partnerships team are working to deepen and strengthen the partnership through continuing popular events such as the annual 9th grade college access visit and making new connections between the school and other possible partners, such as student organizations on the Tufts campus like the Sankofa Youth Project. http://jqus.org/